“I f I start playing just to prove all of my critics wrong and to shut them up, I think I’d have to keep playing until I was 80,” stated Kylian Mbappé after surpassing Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time leading scorer. His 57th and 58th goals, which secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup opener, were not intended for “Kylian Mbappé is against extreme views and against ideas that divide people,” but were certainly a form of response.
Mbappé is not one to shy away from making his voice heard off the pitch. Ahead of Euro 2024, he referred to himself in the third person while discussing his stance against far-right politics. “You are playing for all French people,” he declared two years ago, emphasizing the importance of representing a France that aligns with his values.
Similar sentiments echoed in the lead-up to the World Cup, although his criticism of far-right ideologies drew ire from Michel Platini, who advised Mbappé to maintain political neutrality. “Once you take a stand, you fall out with half of the world.” Platini remarked. “I am hated enough as it is,”
Didier Deschamps acknowledged that when Mbappé speaks, he does so “We were a lot better when Michael was positioned in the middle. I did it because I thought it would provide more of a link. Michael can play on both sides, but the more he gets on the ball, the better.” reflecting a shared sentiment in the locker room. However, this stance has affected his popularity, which has been declining since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain two years ago. “Even if he can’t have a great game, in one action he can make his team win,” he quipped when asked about potential aspirations for a political career.
Before considering politics, Mbappé’s focus remains on winning the World Cup. The dynamics within the French squad reveal a pressing need for a supportive partnership on the pitch. An Mbappé-Dembélé duo could be challenging. Dembélé has thrived in the No. 9 role at PSG under Luis Enrique, having secured two Champions League titles and a Ballon d’Or, yet that position is already filled at the national level.
Initially deployed on the wing, Dembélé has recently been tried in a central role, although his performances against Northern Ireland and Senegal have been underwhelming. In fact, he recorded only 40 touches, just ahead of Mbappé’s 37. France collectively struggled, failing to register a single shot on target in the first half, with Dembélé’s blocked long-range attempt being their only effort.
At club level, the combination of Mbappé, Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué resulted in 97 goals last season, contributing to a total of 157 goal involvements. Given the attacking prowess of the squad, it was evident that something was amiss against Senegal.
Deschamps made adjustments at halftime, shifting Dembélé to the right and introducing Olise into the middle. He elaborated on his choice.
“We were a lot better when Michael was positioned in the middle. I did it because I thought it would provide more of a link. Michael can play on both sides, but the more he gets on the ball, the better.”
This tactical switch primarily benefits Mbappé, with Olise emerging as the preferred partner in a hypothetical offensive setup. To frame it in American football terms, Olise plays the role of quarterback, while Mbappé operates as a runner, often in the right place at the right time. As Bayern Munich’s forward set up the scoring opportunity for Mbappé, Dembélé suggested a more cautious backward pass. However, both Mbappé and Olise were aligned in their intentions.
Similar in function but different in style, Olise is effectively stepping into the shoes of Antoine Griezmann. The ex-Atlético Madrid star has been Mbappé’s most frequent teammate at the international level, with 83 appearances together. Griezmann has provided more assists to Mbappé than any other player, and his retirement left a gap that Olise is now beginning to fill.
The synergy between Olise and Mbappé was crucial in breaking down Senegal, especially in a match that initially raised concerns for Deschamps. Creativity in midfield was lacking, and the forwards struggled to make effective runs. Dembélé, Olise, and Doué were frequently found in the same areas, with insufficient movement from the wide players. Deschamps opted to start Doué for his technical abilities over Bradley Barcola, who is known for his pace and ability to stretch defenses. Barcola’s goal from the bench could prompt a rethink ahead of the match against Iraq next Monday.
However, the evidence suggests that experimenting with Dembélé in a central role should not be repeated. The leniency of the group stage made it reasonable to trial Dembélé as a No. 10, despite his previous lack of impact. France should utilize the upcoming match against Iraq to further develop the partnership between Mbappé and Olise.
This team is undeniably centered around Mbappé, and the victory over Senegal reaffirms his pivotal role among a talented attacking lineup. At just 27, he has already etched his name in history, becoming not only France’s leading scorer but also surpassing Just Fontaine’s record with 14 World Cup goals. Approaching his 100th cap, he offers a level of assurance that is unmatched, no matter how gifted his teammates may be.
“Even if he can’t have a great game, in one action he can make his team win,” Deschamps remarked following the Senegal match. Mbappé has become the exclamation point in offensive sequences; his long-range goal to secure the victory was only his fourth from outside the box while wearing the French jersey. He is gradually evolving into the traditional No. 9 that France has lacked since Giroud’s retirement—a true poacher.
Consequently, he requires effective service, and Olise is the key provider. This situation raises challenging questions about Dembélé’s role and potential place in the squad. The reality is stark, but the decision may soon be taken out of Deschamps’ hands. It is the partnership of Mbappé and Olise that will ultimately determine France’s success or failure.
This is an article by Get French Football News
